A Child is Waiting: Sincere Bruce Has Many Interests

On his M.A.R.E. (Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange) video, 13-year-old Bruce thoughtfully describes himself.

“I’m really funny, I’m usually very passionate about what I do. Really, I’m fine with doing, basically, anything!”

Bruce loves science. “Yeah,” he shyly smiles and states, “I’m a science geek. And, ooh! My favorite experiment was taking a dirty penny and making a solution that cleaned it like brand new!”

Cares for all creatures

Bruce’s care provider describes him as kind, insightful and inquisitive. “He truly cares about other people,” she says, “and he sees the good in them. And he is honest and forthright. Whatever Bruce says, that’s what he means.”

And Bruce says he loves animals, especially cats, dogs, gerbils – and koala bears. He joined 4-H, where cares for sheep and has a pet goat that he enjoys walking. “I want to be a vet,” Bruce says, “and go to school at Michigan.”

Putting things together

Bruce enjoys taking things apart and reassembling them. “Once Bruce and a caregiver took a computer apart and made a fan run off the battery,” his adoption worker said. “And he is also proud that he stitched a new button on his teddy bear.”

Hoping for a “forever family”

Bruce hopes for adoption, and he looks forward to doing all types of activities with them.

“I’d like to make a time capsule: science-y stuff.” he says. “And bake, and play board games – and shovel!”

His care provider recommends a family that is patient and affectionate, yet consistent, and able to be an advocate for him at school and ensure that he attends his counseling appointments. “He should be an only child or the youngest child in a family.”

Bruce would also benefit from a mentor, an unpaid adult who would call him frequently and enjoy spending time with him. “A mentor who has gone through foster care might be especially helpful, so that Bruce knows he’s not alone,” said his care provider.

Hoping for a family with pets, Bruce describes one that is “very lovable, kind and would help… give me chances to do stuff – and just love me!”

“I’m really looking forward to being adopted,” Bruce said. “Every night when I go to sleep, I wonder: ‘Will I be adopted tomorrow?’ I just really hope to…have a good family.”

For more information, contact Orchards Children’s Services.

Info: 1-855-694-7301; www.orchards.com

By Honey Murray for Digital First Media